Community honors two at memorial bass tournament
Posted/updated on: June 10, 2024 at 3:41 amLAKE TYLER â The Jonathan Holland and Addison Shepherd Memorial Bass Tournament took off at the Boulders at Lake Tyler on Saturday according to our news partners at KETK. âWe had 39 boats that registered for the tournament,â Jonathan Hollandâs mother Karen Holland said. After losing her son Jonathan and her neighborâs daughter Addison Shepherd, known as Addi, in a Rusk County crash, Karen Holland decided to give back to the community that helped her.
âWeâre really trying hard to turn a tragedy into triumph,â Karen said.
In memory of Jonathan and Addi, their families set up foundations that will receive the money earned by the tournament.
âFat Boy foundation helps kids go to trade schools through scholarships, Addiâs family has created Addiâs Adventures, Addi was autistic, and they help special needs families and special needs teachers,â Karen said.
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Karen and Addiâs mother Christy shepherd couldnât believe how much support they have received.
âThereâs no words, no words, weâre so grateful and so appreciative of everybody,â Addison Shepherdâs mother Christy Shepherd said.
âItâs very overwhelming to see how much love and support weâve gotten from our community, from all around,â Holland said.
They added that they hope their childrenâs memories can live on through the work the foundations are doing for others.